The novel coronavirus pandemic is casting uncertainty over many late spring and summer events in Hamilton.

As of early April, organizers of the Winona Peach Festival are still planning for this year’s event, Aug. 28 to 30 at Winona Park.

Peach festival president Linda Shuker issued a statement April 1, noting that organizers are making the necessary arrangements to hold the 2020 event as planned, in anticipation of receiving an “all clear” from civic officials.

“At this point in time, I want to reassure everyone that the 2020 Winona Peach Festival has not been cancelled,” Shuker said in an emailed statement. “We are cautiously and responsibly continuing with the necessary arrangements for the 2020 festival.”

“Everyone, please stay safe and healthy and practice the social distancing in order that we can get on with living our lives,” Shuker added.

Battle re-enactment cancelled

The 2020 Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek has been officially cancelled, a city official has confirmed.

“I can confirm that it is cancelled and will be requesting that this be indicated on the website today,” said Brenda Branch, a spokesperson for the city’s tourism and culture division in an April 17 email.

This year’s re-enactment weekend was scheduled for June 6 and 7. The event typically draws thousands of spectators and more than 100 re-enactors who recreate the historic 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek, a key turning point in the War of 1812.

Ancaster Heritage Days

Ancaster Heritage Days festivities slated for June 13 and Ancaster Canada Day festivities planned for late June are cancelled, organizers announced April 28.

Notable event cancellations and postponements

The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce has postponed its annual Community Awards and 70th anniversary gala until Sept. 17. The event was initially planned for May 21. The rescheduled event will take place at the same venue, Winona Vine Estates, beginning at 5 p.m.

The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce office will be staffed during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each weekday morning. But the door will be locked.

Organizers announced in March the 27th annual Paris to Ancaster Bike Race, which was slated for April 26, in the Hamilton and Brant County areas has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

As part of the City of Hamilton’s closures, Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 22 and Spring Garden Clean-Up on April 25 have both been cancelled.

The Women with Passion and Purpose Team has cancelled plans for this year’s Footprints of Faith conference at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre. The group had planned to postpone the event until Oct. 3 but has now opted to push the conference to April 17, 2021. Current tickets will be honoured for next year’s event.

Events go online

With a strict province-wide ban on all in-person events for five or more people, some community groups are holding meetings online, using Zoom.

Stoney Creek Toastmasters: The group’s Thursday evening in-person sessions are cancelled until further notice, but meetings are continuing in a virtual environment online. The virtual meetings are Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. See https://stoneycreektoastmasters.com/ for details on the club.

Overeaters Anonymous is also holding Zoom meetings every Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. using Zoom ID# 516 395 056. All are welcome to join, with no dues, fees or weigh-ins. Call Joanne at 905-467-7476 for more details.